Kabakumba pleads with Masindi NRM delegates over age limit

Kabakumba having a light moment with Joseph Ogaino Wamani after the meeting. Ogaino moved the motion which saw the district pass a resolution rejecting the constitutional amendment

The Masindi district National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson Kabakumba Masiko has pleaded with members of the party in the district to avoid calling party leaders names, but rather work harmoniously for the benefit of the party.

Kabakumba made the request as she addressed members and leaders of different NRM leagues during a consultative meeting organised by the NRM secretariat in the district at Country Inn Hotel in Masindi town on Thursday.

"We are all one family. Please let us all stop branding each other names. Let us only embrace positive criticism which will help build the party,"Kabakumba said.

During the meeting, Milly Mateeba, a resident of Katama cell in Central division, complained that the party chairperson President Yoweri Museveni has abandoned them and no longer gives them chance to air out their grievances whenever he visits the district.

Mary Mujumura, the district deputy speaker said, "As a party, we are lacking conflict resolution methods in our party, a reason some issues are spreading and causing misunderstandings."

Charles Baguma, the general secretary of the Youth league said some party leaders are now branding people opposed to the amendment of the Constitution rebels, causing a rift between members.

"As NRM, when did we lose tolerance in the party? It is like the party no longer has the listening ear we had before. People should learn to appreciate divergent thoughts from members, not in bad faith, but as constructive way of building the party,"Baguma said.

In response, Kabakumba said, "I can analyse that you people still love the party and you are loyal cadres, but all you need is a listening ear from the party leaders including the party chairperson."

Some members accused MPs of not consulting them on the amendment of article 102(b) of the Constitution which seeks to remove the age limit on presidency.

During a council meeting held on October 25, the district passed a motion rejecting the proposal to amend the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Kabakumba asked members to forget the misunderstandings they have with the MPs, but think about the party's position as per amending the Constitution.

"One of the main issues you have raised is that you were not consulted by the MPs but please, stop mixing MP's consultation with the amendment because those are two different things, " Kabakumba said.